New York Jets: Exclusive interview with Erik Coleman

Erik Coleman, former safety of the New York Jets, was recently honored at a charity event for Grades 2 Play. He spoke with me to discuss the latest on the team, his new television show and of course, the importance of his charity work.

On Thursday evening, April 7, 2016, Manhattan Youth Baseball presented a charity casino night and silent auction to benefit Grades 2 Play. Proceeds from this event “supported various Grades 2 Play funding: scholarships to private schools, private tutors, computers and funds for enrollment” (Indra Public Relations). Coleman, in a private banquet room at Ben and Jack’s Steakhouse on 5th Avenue, graciously accepted Manhattan Youth Baseball’s Excellence in Sports and Philanthropy award.

Before a crowd of approximately 100 guests, Coleman explained the need to use his platform as a former NFL player to “pay it forward to the next generation”. Growing up in a household without a father, he explained, makes it even more crucial to reach at-risk youth.

Erik Coleman honored at Ben and Jack’s” width=”300″ height=”186″ /> NEW YORK, NEW YORK – APRIL 07: Chairman and CEO of Cantor Fitzgerald Howard Lutnick and Chairman of the Board Manhattan Youth Baseball Andrew Perel attend Manhattan Youth Baseball Presents Grades 2 Play Celebrity Charity Casino Night at Ben & Jack’s Steak House on April 7, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Steve Mack/Getty Images for Manhattan Youth Baseball) Howard Lutnick; Andrew Perel

I caught up with Coleman before he received the prestigious award. He and I discussed:

The importance of charity work in the community
His views on CTE (Does he have any symptoms?)
His NFL Draft story
His opinion of the Cold War between Ryan Fitzpatrick and the New York Jets
Coleman and his wife (moglie), Sabrina, even gave me an exclusive preview of their new show, Rollin with the Colemans, set to hit network television in the fall.

Click below to watch my full-length, one-take, interview!

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Rolf Luberoff, CEO & Founder of Enhanced Events, the company sponsoring the live silent auction, said approximately 20 items were sold, including: a Luxury Suite experience with David Wells against the Red Sox, a signed Odell Beckham Jersey and a New York Mets Team Signed photo. Bigger ticket auctioned items include: a trip to Cabo St. Lucas (sold for $5500) and a VIP New York Rangers locker room experience (sold for $2,000). With his entire family in attendance, Erik Coleman made all of Jets Nation proud.

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